A native of Southern California, Irene’s fundamental inspiration is the ocean. Her fascination with intense colors and raw, un-manufactured gem cuts, have become signature trademarks of the line. In 2003, she brought a small collection to Barneys New York, where the buyer placed a significant order after their first meeting. One year after joining Barneys, Irene Neuwirth ranked among the store’s top selling jewelry lines, a position maintained to this day. In 2012, 2013 and again in 2014, she was nominated for a CFDA Award and won the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design in 2014. In 2015 and again in 2016, Irene was nominated for the prestigious CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year Award.